Ichiro Suzuki led off for the first time this spring Wednesday and started in left for the second time — both against Detroit — and, lo and behold, the Tigers need a lefty-swinging left fielder after losing Andy Dirks for half a season following back surgery.

However, before assuming two plus two equals showcase, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski told me he has yet to figure out if they will go internal or external for a platoon partner for Rajai Davis, but he did say “we are not actively seeking a big move,” and Yankees officials concurred that Detroit has not inquired about Ichiro.

Nevertheless, that this is one of the puzzles of spring — where might Ichiro land? — defines his status in the Yankee galaxy: a star on the outside looking in. They have a four-man outfield/DH rotation with Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brett Gardner and Alfonso Soriano. That makes Ichiro the majors’ most famous fifth outfielder.

Without injuries to others, he will get opportunities by playing defense late in right field for Beltran or Soriano when the Yankees lead. He will pinch run, perhaps pinch hit, maybe start once a week or every 10 days. What does that add up to for a season — 150 to 200 plate appearances?

“This would be something new for me,” Ichiro said through a translator. “I can’t say I’ve done this in the past. It is something I have not experienced. But in 2012 when I was traded here, it was a different experience because I had to look every day at the lineup to see if I was playing and where [in the order and at what position].”

This is one of the dreads for any organization — having to transition a great player to the bench … often before that great player believes his baseball biological clock has expired. Ichiro has been a regular since he was a 20-year-old with the Orix Blue Wave. He has spent most of his time in America as one of the most recognizable players in the game — a star and a starter, no doubt.

Yankees officials do not anticipate Ichiro being a problem if his playing time vanishes. In part, that is because the terms of engagement were established at the outset. Brian Cashman told Ichiro on a conference call when he was obtained in July 2012 not to waive his no-trade clause unless he was prepared to bat lower in the order and not play on occasion.

And it is possible that no starting work is available anywhere for a 40-year-old whose .639 OPS last year ranked 136th out of 140 who qualified for the batting title — and the worst by any outfielder. It is not as if Cashman has been besieged by calls. It is not as if watching him this spring has jacked up his desirability — he grounded out weakly twice and fanned Wednesday to fall to 3-for-18 without an extra-base hit or steal.

Still, there are places — perhaps Philadelphia or Arizona or Milwaukee — in which hitting singles (though nowhere like in his prime), fielding well and running expertly can bring greater playing time.

So while Ichiro has seemed to enjoy his time in New York, finding comfort and camaraderie by having so many veterans of accomplishment around him, would he rather go elsewhere to potentially play more frequently?

“Regarding whether I would like to play somewhere else, that is a topic I have nothing to say about here today,” Ichiro said. “But as far as being part of [trade rumors], when I first came to New York, I knew it was something that happens here. You have to be emotionally ready and prepare yourself for it.”

The Yankees want to move Ichiro and as much of the $6.5 million he is owed this year to save money, but also to gain greater roster flexibility. With the likelihood of going with 12 pitchers plus a set nine-man lineup, the Yankees will have four bench slots. One goes to a backup catcher. Another to Brendan Ryan if his back is healed. Eduardo Nuñez likely gets a slot as the righty part of a third-base platoon with Kelly Johnson.

That would leave one opening. If Ichiro is a Yankee, he gets it. But Johnson could play the outfield and so, in desperation, could Nuñez. Zoilo Almonte would be a call away at Triple-A. Without Ichiro, the Yankees, for example, could carry Russ Canzler as a backup to Teixeira or Scott Sizemore, Dean Anna or Yangervis Solarte for more insurance for a brittle infield.

For now, though, Ichiro is a Yankee. One of the most recognizable faces of this baseball generation, about to fade from sight.

What should the Yankees do with Ichiro?

You people are either brain dead or blind when it comes to exploiting, and appreciating, what Ichiro brings to baseball. Do you morons think for a minute that Ellsbury or Beltran will play for even 30 games without further injuries? They have abused their bodies and will be lucky to play a full season with off-time for sprains and simple fatigue. As for the tens of millions squandered in off-season trades, how many of those prima donnas have a BA even close to Ichiro's lifetime BA? Who in the league can even come close to Ichiro's record of injury-free playing time? What he brings in terms of conditioning, mental focus, and professionalism is lost on you morons. I hope they do trade him so he can play more with another team that values his contribution, and let the Yankees decline even more despite their profligate spending. I played baseball at the college level, and struggled to do so because I was merely a good player. When we watched Ichiro's fielding, hitting and running in replays, our coaches simply were in awe of his ability. The Yankees organization doesn't deserve him, even at his admittedly diminished ability.

The disrespect of Ichiro continues. The Yankees spend tons of money on an outfield they didn't need. The issue last year was offense. Cano & Ichiro were in the top 3 of hitting on the team. Ichiro is in much better shape than our 40 year old starting short stop.

Do the right thing, the classy thing, work hard at finding a team where Ichiro has a greater chance of playing more. The guy has been a champ, a class act and great. I feel he has earned the right to fade off into the sunset on his terms (as reasonable as possible of course). I'd rather see some youth get a few extra opportunities rather than throw some scraps at Ichiro. I think if a decent opportunity presents itself the Yanks will trade him. I don't think the Yanks are going to play hardball and expect much in return, meaning one of the main goals of moving him is to do the right thing by him.